Articles

Each year, Union Plus helps the children of union members in the pursuit of higher education. Out of over 5,000 applications 106 were chosen this year, including 11 representatives of the IBEW.

Karolina Comacho

Karolina Comacho

Karolina Comacho of Salinas, Calif., the daughter of Castroville Local 234 member Hector Camacho, volunteers with Interact Club, Salvation Army, Rotary Club and Relay for Life. Comacho said she’s thankful for the insurance coverage and assurance of fair pay her father receives, as it helps with her sister’s battle with cancer. She received a $1,000 scholarship and plans to study elementary education.

Allyssa DeJarnette

Allyssa DeJarnette, a college student from Lee’s Summit, Mo., received a $1,000 scholarship. Daughter of Kansas City Local 1613 member Ronald DeJarnette, her grandfather is an IBEW member also. DeJarnette attends the University of Kansas where she is on the dean’s list and double majors in clarinet and elementary education. At school she plays in the Marching Jayhawks band and is active with the Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity. After college she plans to teach in an elementary school and perform in a symphony orchestra.

Karley Smith

Karley Smith

Karley Smith of Maywood, Mo., daughter of Peoria, Ill., Local 34 member Cecil Smith, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship and plans to study environmental science at Southeast Missouri State University. “Without unions, my life would be totally different,” Karley said. “I am appreciative of every opportunity and benefit being a part of a union family has given me.”

Veronica Stokes

Veronica Stokes

Veronica Stokes of Vineland, N.J., says she saw the benefits of her stepfather’s union membership last year when the union defended him in a situation at work. “Their assistance helped him retain his job,” she said. “Had the union not been there for him, the effect would have been devastating for our family.” Veronica is the stepdaughter of Atlantic City Local 210 member Robert Fanucci, and plans to use her $1,000 scholarship towards tuition at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, where she intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Leigh Anne Tiffany

Leigh Anne Tiffany

Leigh Anne Tiffany of Blue Bell, Pa., graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a degree in biology. During her tenure there, she served as the animal husbandry coordinator for St. Joseph’s Biodiversity Labs and worked as an assistant editor for the college newspaper. Leigh Anne received a $1,000 scholarship and intends to pursue a master’s degree in journalism. The daughter of Philadelphia Local 98 member Scott Tiffany, Leigh Anne said she is grateful for the support and benefits their family receives as a member of the IBEW.

Aaryn Wilson

Aaryn Wilson

Aaryn Wilson of Minneapolis, Minn., has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. After becoming the first man in his family to graduate from college, Aaryn enrolled in the University of Minnesota and studies plant biology. A dedicated student, he also finds time to give back through participation in Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences and the University of Minnesota Transfer Student Network. His mother, Minneapolis Local 292 member Edith Washington, was the first African-American woman electrician in Minnesota.

Colton Pfenniger

Colton Pfenniger

Colton Pfenniger of Longview, Wash., has been a volunteer firefighter for the past two years. He received his Firefighter 1 certification and plans to earn an associate degree in fire science from Lower Columbia College and earn his paramedic credentials. The son of Seattle Local 77 member Shane Pfenniger is a $750 scholarship recipient. He annually participates in the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Boot Drive Fundraiser and wants to continue working for the Department of Natural Resources.

Nikolaus Borchert

Nikolaus Borchert of McGrath, Minn., graduated from high school this year as a member of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Minneapolis Local 160 member Jon Borchert. The recipient of a $500 scholarship, Borchert is attending Augsburg College this fall. He plans to study biology and pursue a career as a physician’s assistant. Both of his grandfathers as well as his mother are union members. He said, “The union protects my parents; therefore, it protects my family.”

Sydney Busch

Sydney Busch

Sydney Busch of Clear Lake, Minn., received a $500 scholarship. The daughter of Minneapolis Local 160 member Charles Busch was the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies’ vice president and earned accolades for her academic and athletic successes. “The job security provided by unions means the world to my family,” she said. “Labor unions have given my family a higher standard of living, safer working conditions and greater health benefits.” She plans to study biology and become a doctor after college.

Michaela Jaycox

Michaela Jaycox

Michaela Jaycox is an active member of the equine world from Spickard, Mo. She is the daughter of Kansas City Local 53 member Michael Jaycox and comes from two generations of union members. She has run her own business for the past four years buying, selling, trading, and training barrel-racing horses. The high school graduate hangs a union flag at every major rodeo event she has and takes a picture to send back to the union hall. Jaycox plans to study public relations and work as a public relations specialist for an equine corporation. She was awarded a $500 scholarship.

Michael Twomey

Michael Twomey

Michael Twomey is an accomplished student, musician, and athlete from Richfield Springs, N.Y. The son of Syracuse Local 43 member Patrick Twomey said he is grateful for the influence of IBEW in his life. Michael’s $500 scholarship will help fund his studies in computer network technology.